Manipur: 600 acres of poppy plantations, 64 farm huts destroyed in hill districts

Imphal: In a series of extensive, all-out poppy destruction drives launched in the north tribal-dominated districts of Manipur, approximately 600 acres of illegal poppy plantations and 64 farm huts were destroyed by fire.

The operations were conducted in the districts of Kangpokpi, Ukhrul, and Senapati from November 11 to 16, officials said on Monday.

The Kukis and Nagas predominantly inhabit these districts.

A joint team of Manipur Police, Assam Rifles, forest officials, and CRPF destroyed over 10 acres of poppy plantations in the Kangjang Hill range of Senapati district.

Three huts found at the sites were burnt down.

The team also cleared about 20 acres of poppy plantations at Loibol Khullen village under New Keithelmanbi PS, Kangpokpi district.

Two sacks of salt packets found at the site were seized, and spray pumps, pipes, herbicides, and other cultivation tools were destroyed by fire.

In another operation in the hill ranges of Kotlen Village, Kangpokpi district, around 20 acres of poppy plantations were destroyed.

Five huts were burnt down, along with three bags of fertilizers, two Roundup herbicides, and two bags of salt.

Across Ukhrul district, in the hill ranges of Somdal, Lamlai Chingfei village, and Litan, approximately 436 acres of poppy plantations were destroyed, and 51 huts at the sites were burnt down, the report stated.

Overall, the joint team destroyed poppy plants over approximately 113 acres at multiple locations across Ukhrul district.

The operations included the Lamlai Chingphei Hill Ranges, the Thawai Kuki (Mapithel) Hill Ranges, the Phalee and Tora Village Hill Ranges, and the Kachai Thikor Hill Range.

Ten huts found at these plantation sites were also destroyed.